Man O’War – spectacular vineyards on Waiheke Island

Today was brilliant. My friend Andrew and I visited Man O’ War vineyards on Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

Waiheke is almost impossibly beautiful, and Man O’War own a fair chunk of the island. They’ve planted over 60 vineyard blocks across their huge property, making use of the various aspects and elevations on this hilly island to choose the right site for the varieties that they grow.

This is an impressive project. We were shown around by Matt Allen, who has been here from the beginning, 17 years ago. We spent a couple of hours driving around the property, and then lunched and tasted.

The wines are superb. All are worthwhile, with particular stand-outs being the Ironclad Bordeaux blend red, the Dreadnought Syrah, and the Valhalla and White Label Chardonnays. This is one of New Zealand’s best producers.

8 comments to Man O’War – spectacular vineyards on Waiheke Island

Last April I got to go to the Vancouver Playhouse wine festival. It was so great to have people behind the tables from the wineries. I met Bronwyn skuse who is sales manager for Man ‘O War in Canada, USA, and Australia. That was my first chance to taste wines from Waiheke Island. I was very impressed across the board. I have been selling them for the last couple of months here in Oregon. Prices also are very reasonable, $12 for the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc to $28 for Dreadnought and Ironclad, both 2008. It was also interesting to taste their Pinot Gris 2009 and compare it to Oregon Pinot Gris.

Hi,
Saratoga Estate Vineyard, Waiheke Island, is located in the heart of the Onetangi Valley, a gentle North facing Valley. We can provide a venue for all, whether you are here to sample some of the regions finest renowned Bordeaux style reds, or to sit in our idealic suroundings on a sunny day with a bottle of superb wine and a platter of cheeses, olives and crackers.

Our winery is an ideal venue to host private functions, Christmas partys, weddings, and we are also available for special events. Contact Kathy for more information; 09 372-6372 or 0275-658531 or email;kathy@saratogaestate.com

A personal touch in the family run vineyard, is seen in the naming of the wines.

They have been chosen using the youngest generation of the family eg.. Molly’s Paddock Merlot, Sequioa Grove Rose, Conor’s Block Chardonnay, Christian’s Plateau Chardonnay, Finlay’s Field Pinot Noir, Micheal’s Meadow Sryah, Monty’s Match Syrah Cabernet Blend, Nikolai’s Hill Sauvingnon Blanc, Lily’s Late Harvest Rose, Daisy’s Sticky Delight and Cinder’s Crest Cabernet. This year for the first time we will be harvesting our Pinot Gris and Leopold’s name will be going on this wine. The children are encouraged during harvest to participate, and therefore feel personally involved in making their namesake wines.

This will be our first year that we will add desert wines to our range. We invite you to purchase any of our wines via email, fax, or phone. Free delivery within New Zealand with a case purchase or more.

Really excellent wine I especially liked the Ironclad MOW wine. Equal if not better than many quality Aussie wines and that’s saying something from an Aussie. Planning to visit the vineyard in August. Will be purchasing before everyone else catches on!